Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic SZ8

Lets take a more detailed look at the Canon SX20 IS versus Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX20 IS was announced 4 years earlier than the SZ8 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the SX20 IS scores versus the SZ8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX20 IS offers outer dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Canon SX20 IS versus Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX20 IS versus the SZ8.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX20 IS and SZ8 is 65 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by going through technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX20 IS and SZ8.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic SZ8 to provide more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SX20 IS will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.